Causes
Climate Change is caused by several factors, the largest of which is called the "Greenhouse Effect". Certain gases in the atmosphere prevent heat from escaping, causing a gradual warming of the surface of the planet. The main contributors to the Greenhouse Effect are: Water Vapor, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide.
Water Vapor
Water Vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. It also acts as an indicator of Climate Change. As the temperature of the atmosphere increases, so does the possibility of clouds and precipitation.
Water Vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. It also acts as an indicator of Climate Change. As the temperature of the atmosphere increases, so does the possibility of clouds and precipitation.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide is a main component in the atmosphere. While it is released through natural processes, such as breathing or volcanic eruptions, it is also produced from man-made activities, including deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
Carbon Dioxide is a main component in the atmosphere. While it is released through natural processes, such as breathing or volcanic eruptions, it is also produced from man-made activities, including deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
Methane
Methane is a hydrocarbon gas produced mostly by the decomposition of waste in landfills. It is also produced from ruminant digestion and manure management associated with domestic livestock.
Methane is a hydrocarbon gas produced mostly by the decomposition of waste in landfills. It is also produced from ruminant digestion and manure management associated with domestic livestock.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation. With nearly 310 times the heat trapping capabilities of Carbon Dioxide, we are fortunate that there are not large quantities of this gas in the atmosphere.
Nitrous Oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation. With nearly 310 times the heat trapping capabilities of Carbon Dioxide, we are fortunate that there are not large quantities of this gas in the atmosphere.
Current Effects
Click here to see how Climate Change is currently affecting the environment.
Future Effects
Continuing Temperature Increase
The Earth's temperature has not been increasing at a constant rate in the past, and it will continue to follow that trend far into the future..
The Earth's temperature has not been increasing at a constant rate in the past, and it will continue to follow that trend far into the future..
Growing Season will Lengthen
Since the 1980s, the length of the "frost-free" season has been increasing. Projections show that by the end of the century, the length of growing season may increase by more than a month across the United States.
Since the 1980s, the length of the "frost-free" season has been increasing. Projections show that by the end of the century, the length of growing season may increase by more than a month across the United States.
Changes in Precipitation Patterns
Since 1900, average United States precipitation totals have increased a large amount. Some areas have had increases above the national average, while others have had decreases. The amount of precipitation during winter and spring is expected to increase in the north, and decrease for the south.
Since 1900, average United States precipitation totals have increased a large amount. Some areas have had increases above the national average, while others have had decreases. The amount of precipitation during winter and spring is expected to increase in the north, and decrease for the south.
More Droughts and Heat Waves
Projections show that in the Southwest, droughts and heat waves are going to become more intense, while cold waves will become less intense everywhere.
Projections show that in the Southwest, droughts and heat waves are going to become more intense, while cold waves will become less intense everywhere.
Hurricanes will Become Stronger
Since the early 1980s, the intensity, frequency, and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes have increased. As the climate continues to warm, hurricane-associated storm intensity and rainfall rates are projected to increase.
Since the early 1980s, the intensity, frequency, and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes have increased. As the climate continues to warm, hurricane-associated storm intensity and rainfall rates are projected to increase.
Continued Sea Level Rise
Since reliable record keeping began in 1880, global sea levels have increased by roughly 8 inches. By 2100, the level is projected to rise another 1 to 4 feet as a result of melting land ice and the expansion of sea water as it warms. This sea level rise will not stop in 2100 due to the fact that the oceans take a very long time to respond to warmer conditions at the Earth's surface.
Since reliable record keeping began in 1880, global sea levels have increased by roughly 8 inches. By 2100, the level is projected to rise another 1 to 4 feet as a result of melting land ice and the expansion of sea water as it warms. This sea level rise will not stop in 2100 due to the fact that the oceans take a very long time to respond to warmer conditions at the Earth's surface.